Protein

Protein is one of the major macronutrients, and it's so helpful in keeping yourself full. It's really important to choose high protein foods for your Powerfuels because they will not only make you feel satisfied but give your body what it needs. If you need some ideas for Powerfuels, check out my Pantry Guide.

In the meantime, Nutrisystem has been releasing more new items that are great for protein consumption.

Nutricrush Shakes (Powerfuel):

While I'm not a big fan of protein shakes in general, because I prefer eating my calories than drinking them, these shakes can definitely be a useful tool in curbing hunger. My mother really likes them, particularly the chocolate. She's had Vega protein shakes in the past, and finds these particles are much smaller, so they blend more easily. She likes mixing the chocolate shake with her morning coffee so it tastes like a mocha, and adding just a little bit of cinnamon. You can also blend them with ice (or make your coffee into ice cubes!) and add mint for a chocolate mint "milkshake". The vanilla shake can blend with coffee for a latte, but I think it mixes better with chai tea, personally. You can also use one of your extras for 35 calories' of fruit and make a milkshake! I've seen "black forest" milkshakes with some cherries blended in, or use a little pineapple for a pina colada.

Looking to buy some cheaply to try? The Nutrisystem ones are expensive, but my family prefers them over other varieties we have tried in the stores. There are often cans of shakes for sale in the Facebook Nutrisystem Food Resale Group for less than retail price!

What are your favourite ways to use the shakes?


Salted Caramel Protein Puffs (Snack):

Salted caramel seems to be one of the new crazes lately. I have to admit, I'm not a fan of even the highest quality salted caramel foods because I don't enjoy mixing the sweet and salty tastes- it's just not to my palate. I'm not surprised that these were not among my favourite snacks.

On the plus side, they are absolutely loaded with protein- one of the highest protein snacks that Nutrisystem offers. And as you can see, you get a huge serving. That's a cereal bowl and it's quite full of those little puffs. If you occasionally want to sit and snack with a large portion, these will work. They are very sweet though and the texture isn't all that appealing- but they are definitely a snack that will take up some time to eat.


Nacho Puffs (Snack):

These seem to be the same texture as the Salted Caramel Protein Puffs, but I like the flavour much better. I have to admit that the Cheese Puffs still win hands down flavourwise (even after the reformulation), but the sheer quantity of these Nacho Puffs plus the more than doubled protein gives them the win for me. I've been having these as my afternoon snack nearly every day because they are just so filling and they take such a long time to eat! I would definitely recommend these (but don't order too many, I'd hate to see them go low inventory!).

More New Items!

Don't forget to check the menu before your next auto delivery ships! Nutrisystem has released some further new items, which I'm excited to try.

I was really, really happy when I saw that Nutrisystem has brought back a pancake mix. If you've been following my blog, you'll know that I made a ton of recipes using their Pancake Mix in 2010. It is so versatile and can be used for much more than pancakes! Definitely check out my recipe file for some creative ideas. While I haven't yet tried the new High Protein Pancake Mix, I'm looking forward to making my Cheesy Egg & Bacon Biscuits with it!

I love the Nutrisystem Granola Cereal, so I'm expecting good things from this entree as well. One of my favourite ways to use the Granola is to put it over sugar free apple pie filling with some cinnamon (don't forget to add 1/2 Powerfuel elsewhere to your day if you do this- it's considered part of the entree and is required!!), which counts as an extra (10-35 calories). I suspect that Apple Cinnamon Granola Cereal will be even more perfect for this use! I don't drink milk, but I think this will likely also go well in yogurt and I can't wait to try it.

I like toffee, and I also like the Harvest Nut Bar, so I am betting I will also like this Toffee Nut Bar. I'm curious as to how different it will be, since the Harvest Nut Bar is already very sweet. Guess I will find out shortly!

This Garlic Cheese Flatbread is a shelf stable lunch entree, and it comes from the South Beach Diet program. If you didn't know, Nutrisystem and South Beach are owned by the same company. While the macros in the two programs are different, both do focus on the glycemic index and building a healthy balance of fats, protein, and carbs. I've been curious to try some of the South Beach entrees myself, and I actually recently placed an order for some when they were 50% off. I appear to have jumped the gun though since they are now available from Nutrisystem! This particular entree doesn't get great reviews, but I'm curious to try it anyway. I always say to give everything a chance because you never know what you will like. We all have different tastes, after all!

I love seafood, but I was a little surprised to see the Shrimp & Chicken Stir Fry on the menu since shrimp is so expensive. I wonder how small they are, or how few you get in the portion. Either way though, I am looking forward to giving it a try.

I will admit that I found this dinner entree to be a bit of a surprise as well. Nutrisystem already has two chili options that are quite good, why would they add in another? Adding veggies is already a relatively simple thing for us once we have the base entree. It makes me speculate that perhaps they plan to discontinue the Vegetariam Chili in favour of this Chockful of Veggie Chili, but who knows? I don't plan to order this one personally since I think the shelf stable options are good enough for me, but I'm interested in hearing how other people like it.

Again, I wonder how different these Nacho Puffs are from the current Cheese Puffs, which I love. I have liked both versions of the Cheese Puffs, both the big ones that look like cheesies, and the little ones. Does this new item mean that the Cheese Puffs are now on the chopping block? I hope not. There are a few of these on my next order for comparison purposes!

I am not the biggest fan of marshmallow, but I plan to try at least one of these S'mores Pies just to see how they taste. If the marshmallow taste isn't so prominent, then maybe I'll enjoy it. I do like the Stuffed Apple Pie so this one could be a winner as well.

What have you tried of the new menu items, and what are you hoping to try? Are there new ideas you would like Nutrisystem to create or bring back?